You have to leave bags and coats in a locker room before you enter, which is located on the right after you enter the front door, there are lockers with keys provided for valuables, all free of charge. The library is very beautiful, we spent about an hour wandering around, taking photos, marvelling at the architecture, and looking at book titles. There are some rooms that are for readers only, and you should obviously respect that. Make sure you go upstairs if you can to experience it all from another angle.

Oh what jewels to be found inside. This is a big library with 7-8 levels. It's a book readers paradise for sure! Entry is free. You need to leave your coats, umbrellas and food etc at the ground floor. There are free lockers. The building from inside is beautiful, with gorgeous frescoes. The library is spic and span and well organised. Many places to sit and read in silence. There is a cafe downstairs but didn't check it out. Clean restrooms. A week is not enough in such a place.

This underwhelming building located next to the Helsinki cathedral might be somehow misleading. While its exterior is far from impressive, the interiors are beautifully and lavishly decorated. Definitely worth a peek inside.